If you have been cycling all year, you will know how rewarding cycling gives you. But then another season is coming that probably got you thinking; maybe it’s time to take a break from your bike for a while. It is okay to worry about your safety for the coming season but it is not at all something to fear about. It may seem intimidating riding through ice, snow and cold temperatures at first but once you get the hang of it you will realize how rewarding it will be. You never have to get stuck in the traffic (especially this coming Christmas and New Year), never have to wait for ice plowing trucks or paying for oil changes. The benefits are endless.

So with the right information, practice and precautions, you will be able to ride your bike this coming winter, equipped and ready.

Dress right – Perhaps one of the most important things this coming winter would be your clothes. Make sure to purchase valuable winter clothes. Having the right gears and clothes can get you prepared for what’s coming. Staying warm is one of the smartest ways when riding out, so let’s begin with the layers of your clothes.

Base – the purpose of base layer is to keep you warm and dry inside. Wear a layer that is not too thin or thick to keep you heated at the right temperature.

Outer – Waterproof and soft shell jackets are preferable in winter. Find one that keeps you dry and while still allowing portions of wind to enter.

Head – Look for a fleece beanie that can help warm up your head and ears. Just make sure it is the right size to fit inside your helmet.

Legs – If you’re comfortable wearing bib tights, wear one.

Gloves – Look for cycling gloves with strong grips that will help you grasp on slippery handlebars caused by snow.

Footwear – For cyclists, it’s best to use waterproof clipless shoes but if you don’t have one, wear a light hiking boots. Avoid wearing cotton socks as they tend to get warm and wet which will make you uncomfortable.

Ride with the right tires – It’s recommendable that you ride with wider tires. If you’re riding a mountain or a hybrid bike, then you’re in luck. It has more grips that can overcome the snow, grit and sands below. If you’re riding a different bike such as a road bike, there are few bike shops that offer to make slight changes regarding your tires, to make your experience in cycling a lot easier and safer.

Buy lights – It is suggested to get lights in your bike because your visibility to other vehicles is a lot worse when snowing or raining. The brightest rechargeable bike lights you can ever find would be the best. Just make sure the lights are built securely and positioned right so other people can see them easily.

Fenders – Your tires will surely throw snow up at you, so you’re going to need fenders. Fenders will protect you and your bike from unpleasant stuffs down under and will help you remain clean. Your fenders don’t have to be luxurious, choose one that is capable doing the job. Most fenders won’t fit other bikes, so it’s best to use clip-on fenders instead.

Take note, winter is only weather, so don’t let it halt you from cycling. Instead, welcome the challenge and embrace it.

Confused as hell whether to purchase a road bike or a mountain bike? With the varieties of bicycles these days, getting confused is bound to happen. But no worries, the solution is right here: hybrid bikes. Maybe you’re thinking what hybrid bikes are? For those of you who don’t know, hybrid bikes are in some way a combination of mountain bikes and road bikes. It’s like getting two at once. Hybrid bikes are perfect for either paved or unpaved trails.

Maybe you’re still thinking why choose a hybrid bike? There are several reasons why you should.

Hybrids are one of the most comfortable bikes to travel on. They have flat and long handlebars which allow the rider to be in a much more cosy position. This is particularly helpful for people who hate getting shoulder, neck and back pains that are usually related when riding a road bike.

Hybrids are a great mixture of mountain and road bikes. They usually have large wheels that make cycling easier and faster on the road. Mountain bikes on the other hand are intended to grasp on rocky trails, which is great if you’re in a rocky trail, but makes it tougher when you ride on other type of roads. A hybrid bike is heavier than a road bike but tend to weigh less than a mountain bike.

Looking for a hybrid bike that is under on a budget isn’t that difficult but it will need a lot of your time, effort and knowledge. But first let’s get to the specifics. You might think that hybrid bikes just have one category, but you’re wrong. Hybrid bikes have several types that will cater to your specific need.

Both created to work on either road or mountain. But is more likely shaped for rocky pavements than the smooth ones. They usually have strong brakes and wide tires. The frame is a hardtail but it is much relaxing and comfortable than a normal mountain bike.

Performance hybrid bikes
Best for: Commuting on the road

Maybe you’re planning to use your bike more in the pavement than on a rocky surface? Then performance is the perfect hybrid bicycle for you. They are wired more onto smooth, road trails. Performance hybrids have marginally bigger tires than a normal road bike. The frame is less hostile than a road bike; however unlike other hybrids, performance hybrids don’t have suspension parts.

Comfort hybrid bikes
Best for: Relaxed rides

Basically what every cyclist and riders want from a bike: a comfortable one. This bike features an upright position (like in a chair) that helps the rider feel a lot comfortable and stable. This is a great choice for a casual cyclist wanting a much more soothing ride.

Conclusion: Hybrid bikes are the bicycles to go to if you’re looking best of both worlds (road and mountain) while still maintaining cosiness and fun. These bikes are very popular worldwide because they are easier to ride and adaptable. But with the varieties of types around, it’s still smarter to choose wisely and reasonably. Think harder of what you really want and need.

Visiting a local bike store may be the best choice for you if you’re planning to buy a new bike. While it’s tempting to buy directly from the internet, it’s better to see the bicycles so you can test them personally for better selections.

In the good old days, bike shops could be found in every town. Times have changed now though, and you either buy a bike from a big box store, online or not at all. Online shopping is becoming the most popular option, mostly due to lower prices.

Shopping online is not without its problems, though. You never get a chance to test a bike out until it is delivered unless you can find a similar model in store. Returning a bad bike is NOT a fun experience either. If there is a bike shop in your area, you can bet that they’ll tell you how annoying bike shopping online can be, especially since it is killing their business!

Bike Shopping In-Store: What To Know

When buying a bike from an actual shop, there are quite a few advantages. Usually, a bike shop worker is well-versed in what they are selling. You get to try out the bike and make sure that it is the right size/style for your needs.

Many bike models will offer different sizes within that model class, and it can make things very confusing. The layman isn’t going to know their ideal tire or seat size off the top of their head. This is where a shop owner comes in handy. A shop owner’s input, along with the test ride, is the best way to find the best bike.

Shops typically come with after-sale benefits as well. You may not think that your bike will need a tune up, but it will. Bike shop warranties are typically better as well, and you won’t have to wait weeks for a replacement if that becomes the case. This isn’t to say that online retailers cannot offer the same benefits, just that they will involve more time.

You’re probably going to pay more money shopping with a small business. Outside of that, there aren’t many downsides to the classic bike shops. They are, unfortunately, a dying breed, though. Some of the best owners have been forced out of business. Those that hang around seem to be of the shadier variety these days. It can take some time and effort to find a good seller. Shops aren’t guaranteed to have your desired model either; these small businesses are finding it harder to predict what needs to be stocked!

Buying A Bike Online Video Guide

Buying From The Manufacturer: What You Need To Know

Buying direct can take on a few different forms. There are some manufacturers that are willing to ship your desired model straight to your front door, regardless of where you live in the world.

The main benefit of this shopping model, though, regardless of the method, is that you get the best bang for your buck. Cutting out the middle man is almost always the ideal way to do business. There’s no need to pay the piper if you don’t have to! You won’t be sacrificing quality either. The bike should be exactly the same, just at a lower cost to you!

You should be able to compare similar bikes using this method as well, and get the same specs for a barebone price. For those of you that consider yourselves thrifty, this should be a major plus!

This method is not without its flaws, though. The chances are that you’re not going to be able to test ride from a direct buyer, unless a demonstration happens to be occurring while you are shopping. That is just the luck of the draw.

You should get the same help though when it comes to finding the right fitting bike for you. No one benefits from a returned bike after all! If this is one of your first bike purchases, though, make sure you ask for as much help as you can get! On the bright side, if you do make a mistake returns are usually hassle free. The seller wants to keep your sale, and will do what it takes to make things right. Be up front and honest and everything should go smoothly.

Recommended Bike Review Sites

Final Steps

If you’re a newer rider, your best bet is probably going to be to go bike shopping in person. This is a purchase that you want to get right, so it is better to put in the time and the effort. There’s nothing quite like testing out a bike in person and talking shop with a real, experienced owner, so make that happen if at all possible.

If you’re well-versed in bike riding, though, your best bet is going to be a direct manufacturer. You don’t need to waste time if you know what you want you just need the best bike at the best price as soon as possible. There’s a slight risk to buying direct, but if you are well educated then nothing should go wrong during this purchase!

When you figure out how to ride a bicycle you will always remember it, isn’t that so? Tragically, that is not generally the situation, now and then it takes a touch of looking over, a couple tips, and a touch of practice to get back the certainty you once had.

The uplifting news is that there are a couple of simple tips that will make your reintroduction to cycling that bit simpler.

There is a wide range of sorts of bikes out there, what you have to ask yourself is the place would you like to cycle? In the event that you are keen on cycling out and about basically, and need to be agreeable, then you need a crossover bicycle which has level handlebars and smooth tires, in the event that you need to go quickly, you get a racer!

On the off chance that you are keener on cycling go dirt road romping then you need a mountain bicycle, knobbly tires, and better suspension.

As a matter of first importance, you have to consider wellbeing. You require your bicycle, your cap, and a high perceivability coat or vest. Remember that your bicycle may have been sitting in the shed for quite a long time, months, possibly years!! Verify your bicycle is in great working request, and the right size for you before taking it out on the streets or trails.

Additionally, observe the climate estimate before you leave, and dress suitably – we generally prescribe acquiring a light waterproof shell your pocket or sack… as you just never know!! You may likewise see that numerous cyclists dependably wear gloves/gloves! There are two explanations behind this – one is that in the event that you do by some chance fall off the bicycle, your nature is to put your hand out, and you would prefer not to cut the palm of your hand!! The second reason is that your hands (and your feet) will dependably be cool on the off chance that it is chilly outside! So verify that you have a warm combine of gloves/gloves to wear on the off chance that it is winter time. In any case, guarantee that they are adaptable, so you can at present draw your brakes!

Click here to learn more

We have set up together a truly simple aide for you to utilize when checking your bicycle, as you need to guarantee the brakes are working, the apparatuses move easily, and the tires are pleasantly pumped.

Contingent upon the length of the cycle, we generally suggest that you carry with you no less than a jug of water. Most bicycles accompany what we call a bicycle confine for you to store your water bottle. When you are cycling verify that you expend a lot of liquid in the 2-3 hours in advance, and afterward amid the cycle drink no less than 150ml each 15-20 minutes. This will verify that you don’t get got dried out on the bicycle. On the off chance that you are cycling for 60 minutes verify that you carry some sustenance with you as well – a banana is frequently the best thing to convey to top up your vitality stores.

Mountain bicycles these days are to a great degree differing and indicated. Here’s a breakdown of the sorts of mountain bicycles out there: cross-country, trail/all-mountain, freeride, downhill, and soil bounce/skate park mountain bicycles.

Cross-country bicycles envelop the larger part of mountain bicycles sold. They are either front-suspended or double suspended, ordinarily have 4″ or less of suspension travel, and are to a great degree lightweight. Perfect for:

Click here to learn more

Commuters that need a strong bike to handle potholes and the periodic accident.

Trail bicycles and all-mountain bicycles are the quickest developing portion in the mountain bicycle world. They have the geometry and general riding attributes of cross-country bikes, however with more travel and quality for tackling forceful trails and lightly bounced. An incredible all-around trail bicycle can do everything admirably and sparkles in every sort of riding condition. Ordinary weight ranges from 28-35 pounds, with 4-6″ of travel. Perfect for:

Those who had a tendency to break their toys as children.

Those who see stones as impediments to bounce off rather than keep away from.

Riders who need three mountain bicycles, however, don’t need a separation.

Freeride bikes have a tendency to pull in an alternate type of rider. They have crazy suspension make a trip and are constructed to survive an atomic tempest. Most radical, however, is its riding position – slack and low on the back wheel so the rider is more laid back and in control while plummeting. Your instinct is right, all that travel and quality means a much harder ascension and less mobility in tight segments, however for those sufficiently fortunate to ride one, none of that matters. A run of the mill freeride bicycle measures 32-40 pounds and offers 6″- 8″ of travel. Perfect for:

Those with motocross foundations.

Adventure seekers hoping to land bounced and bomb down slopes.

Folks willing to torment themselves going up a slope for two hours for 20 minutes of unadulterated pleasure.

Downhill bicycles are essentially what their name suggests. Utilized only as a part of landscape parks (Northstar for instance) and carrying with mates, they can go down quick, genuine quick. Downhill bikes can weigh more than 40 pounds and offer between 8″ to 12″ of travel. Perfect for:

Going tough truly quick the other way.

Finding out your resistance for agony.

Soil bounce/skate park style mountain bicycles are fun little life getaways utilized for earth hopping, on the pump track, and urban attack. They, for the most part, have a solitary chainring in advance (or even a solitary speed through and through) and ride slack for ideal gravity-battling execution.

Obviously, once you get quite a long while of strong riding added to your repertoire and are irreversibly dependent, top of the line crap is similar to nirvana (and you’ll be better ready to welcome the distinction) be that as it may, truly, be astute.

This is composed as an extremely fundamental manual for the distinctive sorts of bicycles accessible. The sort of bicycle you need will rely on upon what you need to do with it. The fundamental classifications of bicycles are nitty gritty beneath.

When you have chosen which kind of bicycle you would like you can begin hunting down more particular data. Inside of every classification, you will locate a dazing decision over a wide value range. For the most part, the more you pay the lighter the bicycle and the better the segments will work.

Click here to watch more

Street hustling bicycle

Intended for hustling on strong street surfaces, these bicycles are lightweight and responsive with a forceful casing geometry constructed to augment optimal design, not comfort. They have high outfitting to expand speed.

They have confined stacking limits without connection focuses for racks and so on.

It is regularly troublesome or difficult to fit full curved guards and tire size is restricted because of the absence of leeway between the wheel and the edge.

They can feel awkward with the back and front stacked (which, whilst troublesome, is conceivable).

Street professional bicycle

Intended for visiting on strong street surfaces. These bicycles look fundamentally the same to dashing bicycles yet have an edge geometry constructed more for solace than streamlined features.

They are more grounded and henceforth heavier than dashing bicycles being intended to convey loads.

They have mounting positions for racks and curved guards and by and large have more extensive wheels obliging fatter more agreeable (however slower and more vitality depleting) tires. They have an extensive variety of riggings, some low for trudging up slopes completely loaded.

Mountain bicycle

Intended for utilization rough terrain.

These bicycles have a low focus of gravity making taking care of simpler. What’s more, being intended for rough terrain use they offer the open door for more brave rides. They additionally have some low apparatuses that can prove to be useful on more extreme segments, particularly towards the end of a difficult day when your vitality levels are hailing.

Be that as it may, to manage rough terrain conditions they are fabricated to be powerful and, in this way, have a tendency to be overwhelming. Their tires are significantly more extensive than those of a street bicycle and have a much heavier tread. This is extremely useful in their common region where suspension and grasp are vital yet brings about much more noteworthy moving resistance when utilized out and about. Notwithstanding a more casual riding position, the vast majority discover mountain bicycles uncomfortable to ride over long separations.

Crossover/Urban Cycle

Intended to be some place between the mountain bicycle and the street bicycle this has more solace than the street bicycle and a decent spread of apparatuses from high to low. Weight and moving resistance are some place between the two (on like for like expense machines). They offer a trade-off between the upsides and downsides of street and mountain bicycles. They are planned with a suburbanite and incidental weekend utilization advertise as a main priority.

The amount of preparing will rely on upon your present wellness level and your destinations. In the event that you are another cyclist and need to ride from Lands End to John O’Groats you will require a great deal more preparing than a consistent cyclist who needs to prepare for a 50 mile philanthropy ride.

Click here to learn more

The essential rule of any preparation is to push the body with the goal that it adjusts to the new weights being put on it. There are two primary variables here, firstly you need to push the body harder than you typically do keep in mind the end goal to accomplish any additions and furthermore you have to give the body time to recoup and reconstruct itself after every anxiety session. On the off chance that you don’t do both of these things, you won’t get full esteem out of your preparation.

As far as enhancing your perseverance you should focus on expanding the term and recurrence of your rides at a given level of exertion. To up your velocity you should expand the power of your riding utilizing interims to push your body’s ability to process oxygen and supplements all the more quickly.

In a broad sense, to build continuance you need to ride more distant than you ordinarily do. Exceptionally straightforward (yet not so much simple). The mystery is to develop by close to 10-15% for each week. That way your body can adapt to the adjustment without getting to be depleted.

As an illustration, how about we say you had an objective ride of 100 miles occurring on first June. Backtrack through the timetable 8 weeks to the start of April. This is the place preparing, in a perfect world, ought to start. Your preparation objective will be to have the capacity to easily (see box) ride 75% of the objective separation (75 miles) as one long ride when of the occasion. In the event that toward the starting you can serenely ride 35 miles then your first-week target would be 40 miles. At that point increase by around 5 miles a week until when of the occasion you are covering a separation of 75 miles.

These preparation separations are for one long ride a week. In any case, to expand your wellness you truly should be riding twice this separation altogether consistently. What’s more, you ought to ride no less than four times each week. Along these lines, for instance, in the last week of preparing you may be hoping to ride one 75 milers and three 25 milers.

In the event that you are preparing for an occasion that covers various days, say a London to Brighton philanthropy ride, you will need to prepare a bit harder. You will be getting up for a long time to rehash your endeavors and hence you should put in more preparing than just to cover 75% of your focused on every day separation.